Professional Documents
Culture Documents
5 pH Measurement ...................................................................................................................................................- 14 -
6 mV Measurement...................................................................................................................................................- 24 -
11 Warranty ..............................................................................................................................................................- 40 -
Notes
• When the meter is connected to PC, do not pull out the USB cable until
the meter is turned off. Otherwise a system crash could occur. To fix the
crash, pull out the power cord, put it back in, and reboot the meter.
• Please do NOT pull out the power cord when the meter is turned on.
1 Introduction
Thank you for choosing Apera 9500 Premium Series Benchtop pH/Conductivity Meter. Before using this
product, please read this manual carefully.
9500 Series Benchtop Meter is an outstanding combination of advanced electronic technology, sensor
technology and intuitive software design, made for laboratory pH and conductivity measurement in
scientific research and quality control, fully meeting GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) standards.
1.1 Parameters
pH/mV √ √
Cond./TDS/Salinity/Resistivity √ √
Temperature √ √ √
-1-
1.4 Features of Conductivity Measurement
• 1 to 4 points of automatic calibration with calibration instruction and automatic checking functions.
• Automatically recognize conductivity standard solutions. 2 series standard solution available:
Standard Series and CH Series, as well as User-Define solution (any conductivity standard solutions).
• Measurement modes include conductivity, TDS, salinity, and resistivity.
2 Technical Specifications
Range ±2000.0mV
mV Resolution 0.1mV
-2-
Range 0.00 to 100 ppt
2.2 Others
3 Meter Illustration
Diagram-1
-3-
① Measurement Mode ⑪ Measurement Unit
⑦ User ID ⑰ Printer
pH Measurement Interface
applicable models: PH9500/PC9500
①-- pH measurement mode
②-- pH measurement
③-- mV value of pH electrode
④-- completed pH calibration(s)
⑤-- Temperature measurement
⑥-- Stable reading
⑦-- Date and time
-4-
Conductivity Measurement Interface
applicable models: EC9500/PC9500
①-- Conductivity measurement mode
②-- Conductivity measurement
③-- Conductivity parameters (see section 7.1.2,
7.2.5, 7.2.6)
④-- Completed conductivity calibration(s)
⑤-- Temperature measurement
⑥-- Stable reading
⑦-- Date and time
-5-
3.3 Keypad
Diagram-2
Short
press ● Power on/off
Long
press ● Enter manual temperature compensation
Long
press ● In measurement mode, press to enter calibration
Short
press ● End all current operations and go back to measurement mode
-6-
• In measurement mode: press to enter parameter set-up main menu;
• In calibration mode: press to perform calibration;
• In main menu: press to enter submenu;
Short
press • In submenu: press to enter parameter set-up;
• In parameter set-up mode: press to confirm parameter;
• In manual temperature compensation: press to confirm temperature
value.
Short
• Check quick guide
press
Short
• Turn on/off magnetic stirrer
press
Long
• Save the current stirring speed
press
Short
• Switch between current speed and the saved speed
press
Short
• Press to change stirring speed. Hold the key to change speed quickly.
press
3.3.2 Function
Press key to check the quick user guide of the meter,
including keypad operation information, icon information,
calibration illustration, calibration notes, electrode
maintenance, parameter settings, etc. Diagram-3 is the
index of content, which is only in English or Simplified
Chinese.
-7-
3.4 Meter Sockets
Diagram-4
Table - 2 Meter Sockets Information
Socket Type Information
⑤ USB Connect PC
-8-
3.5 Reading Mode
Note The icon will be displayed when the reading gets stabilized, but the measurement will continue.
When the measured value changes beyond a certain range, the icon will flash or disappear until it
stabilizes again. The stability of the reading is related to many factors:
• Measurement time -- the longer the measurement time, the more stable the icon will be;
• Nature of the test solution – the solution with low ionic strength (such as distilled or deionized water),
or the solution with unstable chemical nature, the measurement will not be easy to stabilize.
• The following three methods will help improve reading stability.
• (a) Turn on Auto. Hold Mode (parameter setting 4.6), refer to section 3.5.2.
• (b) Select the appropriate “pH stability standard” for different test solutions (parameter setting 1.5),
refer to section 5.6.1.
• (c) Select the right pH electrode for each specific application, see section 10.
-9-
3.6 Meter Installment
3.6.1 Connect Test-Bench
Test-Bench Meter
Diagram-5
3.6.2 Install flexible electrode holder
Diagram-7
- 10 -
3.7 Magnetic Stirrer Operation
3.7.1 Technical Specifications
3.7.3 Notes
• If the bottom surface of the beaker is not flat, it will vibrate or even stop stirring. In this case, replace
a more qualified beaker.
• At zero speed, do not hold button, otherwise zero speed will be stored. If this is the case, just
re-adjust the speed and store it by holding again.
4 Meter Setup
Conductivity/TDS sub-menu
Settings Sub-menu
Diagram-9
- 12 -
4.3.2 Operation
For detailed operation, please follow the instruction at the bottom of screen.
4.3.3 Parameter Settings Content
Main
# Parameter Settings Content Default Info
Menu
Refer to
1.1 pH buffer standard USA/NIST/CH/User-Define /
section 5.1.1
1.2 Resolution 0.001/0.01/0.1 0.01 /
Refer to
1.3 Calibration info View/Print Check
section 5.1.4
Refer to
1.4 Calibration reminder Off/Hour/Day Off
section 5.1.5
Refer to
1.5 Stability standard Low/Medium/High Medium
pH section 5.6.1
Max/min reading Refer to
1.6 Off/Max/Min Off
alarm section 5.6.2
Refer to
1.7 Display mode Digital/Dial Digital
section 3.5.3
Refer to
1.8 Electrode ID --------- / section 8.3.3-
(c)
Back to factory Refer to
1.9 No/Yes No
default section 5.6.4
Refer to
2.1 Cell constant 10/1.0/0.1 1.0
section 7.1.2
Calibration solution Refer to
2.2 CH/Standard/User-Define /
standard section 7.2.1
Refer to
2.3 Calibration info Check/Print Check
section 7.2.3
Refer to
2.4 Calibration reminder Off/Hour/Day Off
section 7.2.4
Refer to
2.5 Reference temp. 15 to 30°C 25°C
Cond./ section 7.2.5
Temp. compensation Refer to
TDS 2.6 0.00 to 10.0% 2.00%
coefficient section 7.2.6
Refer to
2.7 TDS factor 0.40 to 1.00 0.71
section 7.7
Refer to
2.8 Salinity type Linear/NaCl/Saltwater Linear
section 7.8
Refer to
2.9 Electrode ID --------- / section 8.3.3-
(c)
Back to factory Refer to
2.10 No/Yes No
default section 7.6.4
Refer to section
3.1 Logging data to Memory/Printer/PC /
8.2.1/8.3.1.
Refer to
3.2 Logging mode Manual/Auto. /
section 8.2.3
Data Refer to section
3.3 Printing format Simple/Complete /
8.3.3(a)to(b)
Refer to
Delete data in
3.4 Yes/No / section 8.2.4-
memory
(d)
Refer to
Settings 4.1 Sample ID --------- / section 8.3.3-
(c)
- 13 -
Refer to
4.2 User ID --------- / section 3.3.3-
(c)
Refer to
4.3 Company name --------- / section 8.3.3-
(c)
Refer to
4.4 Calibration password --------- /
section 4.4
Refer to
4.5 Display info Simple/Complete /
section 4.2
Refer to
4.6 Auto. Hold On-Off /
section 3.5.2
4.7 Temperature unit °C - °F / /
YYYY-MM-DD/MM-DD-
4.8 Date format / /
YYYY/DD-MM-YYYY
4.9 Date setting --- / /
4.10 Time setting --- / /
Chinese-English-German-
4.11 Language / /
Spanish-French-Italian
4.4 Calibration Password
• The factory setting of the calibration password is “None” and the initial password is 000000. To set
the calibration password, connect the keyboard, enter parameter setting 4.4, press key, and
then enter the initial password twice as prompted;
• To set the new password, enter the old password first, then enter the new password twice. The
password is up to 8 English letters or numbers;
• Cancel password: Enter the old password in parameter setting 4.4 and press key to confirm,
then ignore the prompt to enter the new password, just press key twice to cancel password.
• There is a confidential envelope comes with the meter that has a set of “super password”. Please
make sure to properly save it. In case you have forgotten your password, you can use this super
password to unlock it, or contact your supplier.
5 pH Measurement
- 14 -
Table-3 pH Standard Buffer Series
5-point
Calibration 7.000 pH 6.864 pH 6.864 pH
Note: the calibration icons are examples of USA standard series. In practice, these icons will change
according to the series selected by users.
- 15 -
5.1.3 Calibration Frequency
The frequency that you need to calibrate your meter depends on the tested samples, condition of
electrodes, and the requirement of the accuracy. For High-Accuracy measurement (≤ ±0.02pH), the meter
should be calibrated before test every time; For general-accuracy measurements (≥±0.1pH), once
calibrated, the meter can be used for about a week or longer. In the following cases, the meter must be
re-calibrated before next use:
a) The electrode hasn’t been used for a long time or a new electrode is connected.
b) After measuring strong acid (pH<2) or strong alkaline (pH>12) solutions.
c) After measuring fluoride-containing solution and strong organic solution.
d) There is a significant temperature difference between the test sample and the buffer solution.
Note: the electrode mentioned in Table-5 and Table-6 refers to pH combination electrode and temperature
electrode.
- 16 -
Table-5 pH Meter 3-point Calibration
3. When pH 7.00 is calibrated, the 7.00 icon will show up at the bottom left corner. The meter will automatically
enter the next point of calibration. Rinse off the electrode with distilled or deionized water. Shake-dry or dry with
filter paper. Then insert the electrode into 4.00 pH buffer. Press to continue.
- 17 -
5. When pH 4.00 is calibrated, the 4.00 icon will show up at the bottom left corner. The meter will automatically
enter the next point of calibration. Rinse off the electrode with distilled or deionized water. Shake-dry or dry with
filter paper. Then insert the electrode into 10.01 pH buffer. Press to continue.
7. When pH 10.01 is calibrated, the 10.01 icon will show up at the bottom left corner. The meter will
automatically enter the next process. Now the 3-point calibration is completed. Press to exit
calibration mode.
8. The meter will automatically go back to measurement mode after displaying calibration data for a few seconds.
Notes
a) The meter can perform 1 to 5 points of calibration. After all 5 points are calibrated, the meter will
automatically display calibration record and go back to measurement mode; if it’s 1 to 4 points
calibration, after completing any point, press to go back to measurement mode.
b) The meter can automatically recognize pH buffers. During calibration, if the buffer is incorrect, pH
electrode is not submerged in solution, or operation is incorrect, the buzzer will make a beep and
display self-diagnosis information. For details, refer to Table-7.
- 18 -
5.3 User-Define Calibration (take 2.00 pH and 7.30 pH as an example)
Table-6 pH Meter User-Define Calibration
- 19 -
6. After 7.30 pH is calibrated, the meter will display calibration record for a few seconds and go back to
measurement mode. The calibration icons of 2.00 and 7.30 will show up at the bottom left. Note that in user-
define calibration, the icons are in black.
Notes
a) The meter can perform 1 to 2 points of user-define calibration. Press after the 1st point is
completed, the meter will exit calibration mode, which ends up being 1-point user-define
calibration.
b) The meter cannot automatically recognize user-define pH buffers, but requires that the difference
between two buffers is greater than 1.0 pH. Otherwise self-diagnosis will display error message.
c) pH value of user-define pH buffers is based at certain temperature. We recommend performing
calibration and measurement at the same temperature. Otherwise the error could be significant.
d) If it’s manual temperature compensation, temperature should be adjusted before calibration. It
cannot be adjusted during calibration.
5.4 Self-Diagnosis
The meter has a self-diagnosis function. When the electrode is not working properly, buffers are incorrect, or
operation is incorrect, relevant information will pop up at the bottom of the display as shown in Diagram-12. At
the same time, the buzzer will make two beeps. For detailed information of self-diagnosis, refer to Table-7.
Diagram-12
c
- 20 -
Table-7 pH Self-Diagnosis Information
Direct measurement
Diagram-13
- 21 -
5.6 About pH Measurement
5.6.1 pH Stability Criterion
pH stability criterion refers to the time it takes for pH readings to stabilize, which is related to the ion
concentration (iconic strength) of test samples. Generally, the higher the ion concentration, the faster the
readings get stabilized. In parameter setting 1.5, there are options for low, medium, and high. We
recommend setting as per Table-8. Factory default is medium.
Table-8
Stability Criterion Test Samples
Low Boiler water, steam condensate, deionized water, ultrapure water, etc.
High Wastewater
In parameter setting 1.6, users can setup the pH reading alarm. The alarm range is 0 to 14.00 pH. The
alarm icons are (exceeding the preset maximum value) and (exceeding the preset
minimum value). At the same time, the buzzer will make a beep. There are four alarm modes available:
Diagram-14 Diagram-15
◆ No alarm
Set to none and there will be no reading alarm.
◆ Min alarm
If the reading is lower than the minimum value, reading alarm goes off. For example, if minimum value is
set to 6.20 pH, when measurement is lower than 6.20 pH, will show up and the buzzer makes a
beep. The range of 6.20 to 14.00 is good.
◆ Max alarm
If the reading is higher than the maximum value, reading alarm goes off. For example, if maximum value
is set to 8.60 pH, when measurement is higher than 8.60 pH , will show up and the buzzer makes
a beep. The range of 0 to 8.60 is good.
- 22 -
◆ Min-Max alarm
If the reading is lower than the minimum value or higher than the maximum value, reading alarm goes
off. For example, if minimum value is set to 6.50 pH, and maximum value is set to 7.60 pH, when
measurement is lower than 6.50 pH or higher than 7.60 pH, or shows up, and the
buzzer makes a beep. The range of 6.50 pH to 7.60 pH is good.
Diagram-16
- 23 -
5.7.2 Calibration Solutions
To maximize the meter’s measurement accuracy, pH buffers should be fresh and clean. After multiple uses,
replace pH buffers in time.
5.7.3 Cleaning
pH electrodes must be thoroughly rinsed with pure water before and after each test. For tough contaminants,
users can use a soft brush and warm soap water to clean off. Then rinse with distilled or deionized water and
soak the electrode in 3M KCL storage solution overnight before next use. After measurement in viscous
samples, the electrode should be rinsed with distilled or deionized water multiple times to remove the adhesion
to the glass membrane.
6 mV Measurement
6.2.2 Cleaning and activation of ORP electrodes: After long-term use of ORP electrodes, the contamination of
the platinum surface may cause measurement inaccuracy and slow response. In this case, the following
methods can be used for cleaning and activation:
a) For inorganic contamination, the electrode can be immersed in 0.1 mol/L dilute hydrochloric acid for
30 minutes, rinsed with pure water, and then immersed in the electrode soaking solution for 6 hours.
b) For the contamination of organic oil and oil film, the surface of platinum may be rinsed with soap water,
and then immersed in the electrode soaking solution for 6 hours.
c) The platinum surface is heavily polluted, and an oxide film is formed on the surface. The platinum
surface can be polished with toothpaste, then rinsed with pure water, and then immersed in the
electrode soaking solution for 6 hours.
- 24 -
6.3 ISE Measurement
Connect the ion electrode, insert it in the test sample, stir gently and let it stand. Get the reading when
shows up and stays on screen, which is the potential value of the ion electrode. If the ion electrode is a
combination type, simply insert it to the pH/mV socket. If it is not a combination type, users should select a
suitable reference electrode and connect it to the REF socket, and the two electrodes must be tested at the
same time.
7 Conductivity Measurement
- 25 -
7.2.2 Calibration Frequency
a) The meter has been calibrated before leaving factory and can be used directly by the user.
b) It is recommended to calibrate once a month under normal circumstances.
c) If the accuracy requirement is high or the measured temperature is significantly different to the
reference temperature (25 °C), it is recommended to calibrate once a week;
d) Test the electrode performance with conductivity standard solutions, and perform calibration when the
error is large.
e) It is recommended to perform 3-point or 4-point calibration after a new electrode is used for the first
time or after the instrument is restored to the factory default settings. Generally, the calibration solution
with the conductivity close to the sample solution can be used for 1 to 2 points of calibration. For
example, in the 0 to 20mS/cm conductivity range, use the 1413 μS/cm solution to calibrate.
7.2.3 Check Calibration Record
In the parameter setting 2.3 (calibration information), you can select
“View” or “Print”. When you select “View”, press to display
the last calibration data, as shown in Diagram -17. Press
while selecting “Print” to print out the calibration information, but the
instrument's data processing mode must be "printer" and the printer
is set to online. See section 8.3.4 for details.
Diagram-17
Diagram-18
- 26 -
7.2.6 Temperature Compensation Coefficient
The temperature compensation coefficient of the factory setting is 2.00%/°C, but the conductivity temperature
compensation coefficients of different kinds and different concentration solutions are different. Users can refer
to Table-11 and the data obtained from experiments. Set the setting in 2.6 (temperature compensation
coefficient).
Note: When the temperature compensation coefficient is set to 0.00, that is, there is no temperature
compensation when the instrument is measuring. The measured value of the instrument is the conductivity
value at the solution's temperature at the time.
- 27 -
7.3 Conductivity Meter Calibration (Take 1413μS/cm as an example)
3. Calibration process
a) Instrument calibration.
b) Display calibration data: date, time, temperature,
range, and cell constant.
c) Automatically returns to measurement mode.
(a)
4. Multi-point calibration, exit calibration and switching mode
- 11
4.1 Multi-point calibration can be selected as needed. For
example, repeat steps 1 to 3 above in 12.88mS solution.
Multi-point calibration should be performed according to the
concentration of calibration solution from low to high to avoid
contamination of low concentration solution. Calibration can
(b) also be repeated in the same calibration solution until the
(c)
- 11
- 28 -
7.4 User-Define Calibration (Take 10μS/cm as an example)
● Conductivity user-define calibration has only 1-point calibration. User-define calibration has no
temperature coefficient or reference temperature. Therefore, it is recommended to perform calibration and
measurement at the same temperature. Otherwise, there will be a large error.
● The instrument does not automatically recognize user-define calibration solutions.
● If it's manual temperature compensation, the temperature value should be adjusted before calibration.
During calibration, temperature cannot be adjusted.
- 29 -
7.5 Self-Diagnosis
The meter has a self-diagnosis function for conductivity. When the electrode is not working properly, calibration
solutions are incorrect, or operation is incorrect, relevant information will pop up at the bottom of the display
as shown in Diagram-19. At the same time, the buzzer will make two beeps. For detailed information of self-
diagnosis, refer to Table-12.
Diagram-19
- 30 -
7.6 Sample Measurement
Rinse the conductivity electrode with distilled or deionized water. Shake-dry or dry with filter paper. Insert
it to sample solution, stir a few seconds and let it stand. Record the reading when shows up and
stays on screen. Diagram-20 is the flowchart for conductivity calibration and measurement.
Measure
Diagram-20
- 31 -
7.8 Salinity Types
The salinity types are linear salinity, NaCl salinity and saltwater salinity. The linear salinity is calculated
according to the measured conductivity value (0.5 conversion factor). The NaCl salinity and saltwater salinity
are programmed based on 2 predetermined salt curves. The salinity type can be set in parameter setting 2.8
and the meter is factory set to “linear” salinity. Salinity doesn't need to be calibrated. Calibrate conductivity
and switch to salinity mode.
Diagram-21
- 32 -
8 Data Processing M odes (Save, Recall, P rint, Delete)
In parameter setting
● Press to save;
3.2, select “manual”
shows up on top. ● Press to recall
Select “memory” in ● Connect meter to PC.
parameter setting 3.1. Export data to Excel file
shows up on top.
In parameter setting for printing;
In parameter setting
3.2, select “manual”
● Press to save
shows up on top.
Connect computer, the data (displayed on PC).
meter automatically
● Export data as Excel
enters PC mode.
In parameter setting file for printing.
shows up on top
3.2, select “timer” and ● Press Clear to delete
set interval time. saved data.
shows up on top.
Diagram-22
- 33 -
8.2 Log Data in Meter
8.2.1 Setup
Select Memory in parameter setting 3.1. displays on top of the screen. All data will be stored in the
meter.
(a) Manual data logging mode (b) Auto. timing data logging mode
Diagram-23
8.2.4 Save, Recall, Delete
(a) Manual data logger
Set “Manual” in parameter setting 3.2, press during storage, the display screen is as shown in
Diagram-24. indicates that the 8th group of data has been stored, press to display the
stored data page, as shown in Diagram- 25. If there are more than 8 sets of stored data, press or
to turn the page.
Diagram-24 Diagram-25
c
- 34 -
(b) Auto. timing data log
Select “Timer” in parameter setting 3.2 and set the data logging interval time (by every X seconds or
minutes), for example, 10 seconds, press to start auto. data logger, flashes, the first set of
measurement data is stored and shows up, then every 10 seconds one set of data will be stored
and the storage number will be automatically increased. Press again to stop auto. data logger.
press to display the stored data page, and then press or to turn the page.
(c) Print
The data stored in the meter cannot be directly printed. The stored data needs to be uploaded to the
computer via USB cable and then exported to an Excel document for printing. See section 8.4 for details.
(d) Delete
If the storage is full, delete it by selecting Yes in parameter 3.4. Otherwise, data logging can’t be continued.
The meter is only compatible with Apera’s TH192G Pin-Type Mini Printer, which is sold separately.
8.3.1 Setup
Select "Printer" in parameter setting 3.1, and icon will show up on top of the display, indicating that
the data will be stored in the printer, and the real-time printing is completed by TH192G Pin-Type Mini
Printer. The data is stored in the printer and there are no data storage icons on the display and no data
recalling.
○
b ○
c
○
a
○
a Insert printing paper here
○
c Press here to remove printer ribbon.
○
b Press LF button when offline to transport paper
Diagram-26 Diagram-27
ccc
- 35 -
8.3.3 Printer Information
(c) ID Setup
To set the ID, insert the keyboard into the “Keypad” socket of the instrument, use the keyboard to input
up to 8 digits of English letters and numbers. The settings include sample ID, operator ID, company name,
pH electrode ID, and conductivity electrode ID. Calibration passwords can also be set (refer to Section
4.4 “Parameter Settings” for details).
In offline mode (green light off), the stored value will be deleted when the printer is turned off.
- 36 -
8.4 Data logging via PC
8.4.1 Install Software
a) This instrument uses the PC-Link 9500 communication software, and the communication port is
USB. Copy the PC-Link 9500 program files to the computer from the flash drive, connect the USB
communication cable to the PC socket of the meter and the computer’s USB port. The software
will be automatically open. The instrument and the computer will be automatically connected, and
will show up on top of the display.
b) If manual data logger is selected, press , data will be uploaded to the computer; if auto.
timing data logger is selected, press , data will be uploaded to the computer by the certain
timing you set. All the data uploaded to the computer will not be saved in the meter. Auto-timing
data logger will generate a measurement curve in PC-Link software as shown in Diagram-28.
c) If the printer is connected at the same time, it can also print out the data while uploading them to
the computer.
8.4.2 Software Interface
Diagram-28
Note: In the pH measurement alarm mode, the curve area shows the maximum and minimum red
lines.
1
○ Model number and Serial number 5
○ Prompt for PC connection
2
○ Parameter setting information 6
○ Data area
3
○ Calibration information 7
○ Operation keys
4
○ Data logging type 8
○ Measurement curve area
- 37 -
8.4.3 Operation Keys of PC-Link
Refresh — When the meter and the computer are not connected, press the button to connect again.
Download — Upload the data in the meter’s memory to the computer.
SyncTime — Sync the time and date of PC to the meter.
Clear — Clear the data.
Export — Export the stored data to a Microsoft Excel document for further analysis.
Exit — press to exit PC-Link.
1 PH9500 pH Meter 1 √
13. Keyboard 1 √ √ √
14. 9V Adapter 1 √ √ √
15. Vials / 3 3 6
- 38 -
10 Other Parts and Accessories
- 39 -
11 Warrant y
We warrant this instrument to be free from defects in material and workmanship and agree to repair or replace
free of charge, at option of APERA INSTRUMENTS, LLC, any malfunctioned or damaged product attributable
to responsibility of APERA INSTRUMENTS, LLC for a period of THREE YEARS (SIX MONTHS for the
electrodes) from the delivery.
This limited warranty does not cover any damages due to:
Transportation, storage, improper use, failure to follow the product instructions or to perform any preventive
maintenance, modifications, combination or use with any products, materials, processes, systems or other
matter not provided or authorized in writing by us, unauthorized repair, normal wear and tear, or external
causes such as accidents, abuse, or other actions or events beyond our reasonable control.
To submit a warranty request, go to support.aperainst.com and click “New Support Ticket” on the upper right
corner. Fill out the form, then click Submit. One of our customer support specialists will help you fulfill the
warranty in one business day.
- 40 -